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How
can azelaic acid be used to treat baldness
Azelaic acid is the generic name for the brand product Skinoren
(made by Schering) or Azelex (Allergan). Azelaic acid comes as a
20% concentration cream for topical application and it is commonly
used in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid
found in whole grain cereals and some animal products (specifically
those fed on whole grain cereal products!). We all have a small
amount of Azelaic acid in our systems that mainly comes from our
dietary intake. Azelaic acid can also be metabolized in our bodies
from Oleic acid. The actual concentration of Azelaic acid in each
individual varies considerably depending on what kind of diet we
have.
The properties and actions of Azelaic acid have not been well defined.
It seems to have antimicrobial activity against certain skin flora
that may be involved in inflammatory acne. Azelaic acid probably
works to stop the microbes from synthesizing cell proteins. Azelaic
acid also works to normalize the keratinization of cells in the
skin and hair. This helps to stop pore clogging in acne. Azelaic
acid may also be an effective antiandrogen by blocking the activity
of 5 alpha reductase.
A side effect when using azelaic acid for acne is hypertrichosis
(stimulation of hair growth). After noting this side effect some
people have tried to use Azelaic acid to treat hair loss diseases
such as androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata.
No controlled studies have been conducted to see how effective it
is or how it might work to permit/promote hair growth in people
with these conditions. It apparently has a good hair growth stimulating
effect for some people.
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